CROWDX001: Shared Pulse

CROWD proudly announces the launch of its digital VA series CROWDX. Inaugurated by the first chapter 'Shared Pulse', this release brings together a cross-section of artists that embody the label's vision. Curated by FJAAK and Elli Acula, the Berlin-based imprint has carved out a space where old school and modern techno meet, united by a groovy, driving and uncompromising sound. Opening the release, Colombia's RUIZ OSC1 sets the tone with a hypnotic, polyrhythmic roller, before Elli Acula follows with a low-end driven cut, weaving her trippy spoken word vocals through hypnotic grooves, balancing emotional depth with relentless drive. Greek producer ANNĒ builds tension through kick and tom grooves beneath a droning synth break, and FJAAK's 'Scanline' showcases the duo's unmistakable approach, combining swinging percussion, driving chord stabs and endlessly echoing synth work. Techno legends Slam then strip things back, proving once again that a handful of perfectly chosen elements can deliver maximum impact. Sol Ortega brings an urgent, tom-led groove with racing chords, before Colin Benders delivers what might be the most visceral moment on the record: a barrage of distorted analog synths and crashing percussion that channels the intensity of his live performances. J Choirboy shifts the mood with a deeper, dub-infused excursion built around expansive dub chords and rich low-end weight, DEAS raises the tension again with eerie atmospheres, rolling basslines and fast-moving synth sequences, and Ferdinger closes the release with classic techno chords looping over a rolling shaker groove pushing the record to the finish line. CROWDX001 captures the full spectrum of contemporary techno across ten tracks that showcase techno's many shades without losing sight of its roots, perfectly summing up the vision of the Berlin-based label and sharing a common pulse.